Deadline hits for taxi lamps

Kondjeni Petrus Manyami seen here fitting a taxi sign to the roof of a customer’s car. He charges N$30 for his services.

Monday, 01 July was the deadline given to all taxi operators in the country to display the mandatory taxi lamp on their vehicles. However, many taxi drivers had still not purchased the lamps which led to many queing up at the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA) offices throughout the week. The mandatory taxi lamps were introduced as a means of controling pirate taxi operators and reducing criminal activities involving taxis. The lamps cost N$485 and can be fitted on the roof of the taxi for a mere N$30. According to the National Chairperson of NABTA, Pendapala Nakathingo, the price of the lamps is reasonable considering they are imported and are highly durable.” Although we haven’t heard of any taxi drivers complaining about the price of the lamp, we know of unions that are trying to cause confusion amongst the taxi drivers regarding the issueing of the mandatory lamps. The law must be implemented and we urge all taxi drivers to come and pay for their lamps,” said Nakathingo. He said so far around 3000 taxi lamps have already been sold to taxi drivers.